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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium supplementation on saline water as a minimizing agent of saline stress in okra cultivars. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in Mossoró-RN using a completely randomized experimental design in a 2x5 factorial scheme with four replications. Two okra cultivars (Santa Cruz 47 and Valença) were tested fertigated with five fertigation managements [F1= irrigation with non-saline water (0.5 dS m-1) and fertigation with a standard dose of calcium (4,733.8 mg plant-1); F2, F3, F4 and F5= irrigation with saline water (3.5 dS m-1) and fertigation with increasing doses of calcium (4,733.8; 7,100.7; 9,467.7 and 11,834.5 mg plant-1, respectively)]. Plants were collected at 120 days after emergence and evaluated for growth variables (plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, leaf dry mass, stem, fruit and total) and yield (fruit number, average length of fruits, average diameter and yield). Cultivar Santa Cruz 47 presented the highest vegetative development but cultivar Valença was earlier and presented the largest number of harvests (19), allowing more harvested fruits (27 fruits per plant) and the highest yield (659 g plant-1). The cultivars were not affected by the saline level and showed little response to extra calcium fertilization. RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação cálcica em água salina como agente minimizador do estresse salino em cultivares de quiabeiro. O experimento foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação, em Mossoró-RN utilizando o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2x5, com quatro repetições. Foram testadas duas cultivares de quiabeiro (Santa Cruz 47 e Valença) fertirrigados com cinco manejos de fertirrigação [F1= irrigação com água não salina (0,5 dS m-1) e fertirrigação com dose padrão de cálcio (4.733,8 mg planta-1); F2, F3, F4 e F5= irrigação com água salina (3,5 dS m-1) e fertirrigações com dose crescentes de cálcio (4.733,8; 7.100,7; 9.467,7 e 11.834,5 mg planta-1, respectivamente)]. As plantas foram coletadas após 120 dias da emergência e avaliadas quanto aos fatores de crescimento (altura de plantas, número de folhas, diâmetro do caule, biomassa seca de folhas e biomassa seca de caule) e rendimento (número de frutos, comprimento médio de frutos, diâmetro médio e produção). A cultivar Santa Cruz 47 apresentou maior desenvolvimento vegetativo mas a cultivar Valença foi mais precoce e apresentou maior número de colheitas (19), possibilitando mais frutos colhidos (27 frutos por planta) e maior produção (659 g planta-1). As cultivares não foram afetadas pelo nível salino utilizado e apresentaram pouca resposta à adubação extra de cálcio.

This study was conducted to collect local Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) genotypes belonging to Malvaceae (Mallow) family in the Northern Cyprus and morphological characterization of this collected material. On the other hand, due to the limited studies on collection and morphological characterization, which are the first step of breeding; the genetic potential of the local okra genotypes of Northern Cyprus has not been determined before. This research was carried out in two stages as the collection and morphological characterization of genotypes. In the first stage of the study, it was aimed to collect local okra genotypes and a total of 58 different locations were reached in line with this target and 24 samples of okra genotypes were collected from these areas. In the second year of the study, morphological characterization studies of 24 okra genotypes from the collected genetic material were carried out according to UPOV and IPGR criteria. As a result of morphological characterization showed that 24 okra genotypes can be categorized under 6 different groups. The regenerated seeds of these 6 different genotypes were preserved. In conclusion, although morphological characterization analyses performed in this study are the methods used to differentiate new species from each other, but it will be insufficient alone. Therefore, it is concluded that this method will be used in coordination with molecular characterization studies to provide more reliable results.

Sandhanasamy Devanesan, Mohamad S AlSalhi Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Mohamad S AlSalhi Email malsahi@ksu.edu.saBackground: Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, an economically important malvaceous vegetable crop popularly known as okra, is used in various culinary preparations and is rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. The biological properties of okra flowers in relation to nanoparticle synthesis have not yet been reported.Materials and Methods: In the current study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using extracts of the flowers of A. esculentus. The characteristics of the AgNPs were studied using a UV-vis spectrometer, Fourier transmission infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX). Antibacterial activity screening was performed using the agar well diffusion method, and cytotoxicity and cell viability studies were conducted using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.Results: The synthesized AgNPs were spherical and ranged in size from 5.52 to 31.96 nm, with an average size of 16.19 nm, as determined by UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, TEM and EDX. A. esculentus flower extract-mediated silver nanoparticles (AME-AgNPs) exhibited excellent activities in vitro studies, particularly in vitro cytotoxic and antiproliferative studies against cancer cell lines, such as the TERT-4 and A-549 cell lines. The antibacterial effects on the Gram-positive pathogens Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes and the Gram-negative pathogens Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhimurium and Shigella sonnei were tested. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values varied with the bacterial strain. The IC50 values of the synthesized NPs for the tested cell lines were close to that of a standard drug.Conclusion: Compared to other NPs the NPs synthesized in this study were smaller in size and exhibited a higher level of antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity and apoptosis at minimal concentrations, and this is the first study on okra flower-induced anticancer and antimicrobial activities.Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus, silver nanoparticles, okra green pods, cell lines and cytotoxicity

Okra is consumed in several countries and is an important source of nutrients for human food. To promote okra production and consumption is essential the development of new cultivars with high nutritional levels, besides desirable agronomic traits. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate nine okra landraces by agronomic and biochemical traits. The accessions UEL2, UEL3, UEL5, UEL6, UEL7, UEL9, UEL10, UEL13 and UEL15 were grown in open field condition and evaluated in relation to fruit yield, fruit weight, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant and plant height. The biochemical analysis included mineral composition, crude protein content, vitamin C content, total flavonoid and phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The UEL7 accession stood out for the high levels for biochemical traits such as content of some minerals, vitamin C and antioxidant activity. On the other hand, UEL3 accession had a low performance for biochemical traits, but stood out for agronomic traits such as fruit yield and number of fruits per plant. Hence, the UEL7 and UEL3 landraces may be introduced in breeding programs focused on human food and agronomic performance, beyond to contribute for okra germplasm conservation.

Seed priming is an effective, eco-friendly method to promote seed germination and seedling vigor of okra to overcome the reduced and delayed germination in fresh or stored okra seeds caused by seed hardness. An experiment was carried to evaluate the effects of different priming on okra seeds germination and seedling vigor using Arka Anamika variety at Horticulture lab of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. Investigation was carried out with 6 treatments (T1: seed priming with tap water, T2: seed priming with 200ppm NAA solution, T3: seed priming with 10% PEG-200 solution, T4: seed priming with 200ppm GA3 solution, T5: seed priming with 5% Trichoderma solution and T6 no priming) with 4 replications in Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Seeds primed with T1 to T5 were soaked for 24 hours and shade dried for 6 hours before sowing. Priming with T4 was found to be best in terms of maximum seed germination (60.12%), seed vigor index (5772.68 cm), mean germination rate (7.53 seeds per day). The highest shoot length (81.40 mm) was observed at T1 whereas enhancement of root length occurred with the priming with T3. All treatments had a significant positive effect on all the germination parameters in comparison to control. The study concluded that GA3 priming enhanced germination as well as seed vigor in okra and hydro priming and tricho-priming can be used as an alternative to GA3 priming among farmers in Nepal.

Okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is a vegetable crop of high nutritional value, which presents great losses after harvest when stored under poor storage conditions. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of different low-density polyethylene (LDPE) thicknesses on the preservation and post-harvest quality of okra fruits under different storage periods. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with nine replicates, in a 5 × 5 factorial scheme, corresponding to five forms of packaging at a temperature of 10 ± 1 ℃: no film and four LDPE thicknesses (10, 20, 30, and 40 µm) with five storage periods (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days). It was revealed that the use of LDPE plastic films provided lower loss of mass, higher fruit firmness containment of increase in soluble solids, and lower color change at 21 days of storage compared to no film. The LDPE thickness of 30 µm showed lower incidence of rotting, better appearance throughout storage, lower color changes, containment of increase in soluble solids content, higher chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic content compared to other forms of packaging, and is the most appropriate package for storing okra fruits up to 21 days, under refrigeration condition. The results of this study show that the thickness of LDPE has significant effects on the conservation and quality of okra. Our findings can be used to minimize post-harvest losses of okra during marketing.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacterial strain Bacillus thuringiensis A5-BRSC was applied as charcoalbased biofertilizer on Abelmoschus esculentus plants under field condition for consecutive two years (spring-summer season). The objective of the present study is to evaluate the growth promoting parameters of the plant under field condition. Field application of biofertilizer showed statistically significant increase (at 0.05 levels by one-way ANOVA) in seed germination, shoot height, root length, leaf diameter, vigor index, fruit weight, seed weight and total fresh weight as well as dry weight of inoculated plants in comparison to the plants not treated with biofertilizer. Biofertilizer inoculated plants exhibited 68% more protein content in leaves, as well as about 70% more catalase and 52% more peroxidase activity than control plants; although leaf chlorophyll content was not significantly changed. Biofertilizer treatment increased nutritional content of the fruits. About 66% increase in the soluble sugar content, 34% more protein content and more than 75% phosphorus content in pods were noted in biofertilizer treated plants, compared to untreated plants.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent endocrine disorder with clinical manifestations of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia due to malfunction and/ or insufficiency of insulin in the body. DM is considered as a public health problem worldwide due to its adverse effects on the body. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is an annual medicinal plant rich in antioxidant components, bioactive polysaccharides, and fibers. This systematic review aimed to summarize the effects of okra on glycemic indices and lipid profile. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Google scholar databases were searched until May 2021 with no limitation. Totally, 54 studies which investigated the effects of okra on glycemic control and lipid profile were included in the present systematic review. Most of the included studies showing favorable effects of okra products on glycemic variables and lipid profile, were performed on animal models. Therefore, more clinical trials are needed for a definitive conclusion.

Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench (okra) is a commonly consumed vegetable that consists of the seeds and peel component which are rich in polyphenolic compounds. The aim of this study is to utilize pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) for the extraction of bioactive phytochemicals from different parts of okra. A single step PHWE was performed at various temperatures (60 °C, 80 °C, 100 °C and 120 °C) to determine which extraction temperature exhibits the optimum phytochemical profile, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. The optimum temperature for PHWE extraction was determined at 80 °C and the biological activities of the different parts of okra (Inner Skin, Outer Skin and Seeds) were characterized using antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS), α-glucosidase and vasoprotective assays. Using PHWE, the different parts of okra displayed distinct phytochemical profiles, which consist of primarily polyphenolic compounds. The okra Seeds were shown to have the most antioxidant capacity and antidiabetic effects compared to other okra parts, likely to be attributed to their higher levels of polyphenolic compounds. Similarly, okra Seeds also reduced vascular inflammation by downregulating TNFα-stimulated VCAM-1 and SELE expression. Furthermore, metabolite profiling by LC/MS also provided evidence of the cytoprotective effect of okra Seeds in endothelial cells. Therefore, the use of PHWE may be an alternative approach for the environmentally friendly extraction and evaluation of plant extracts for functional food applications.

Abelmoschus esculentus has fruit popularly known as okra and belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is commonly used in cooking but also in traditional medicine in the treatment of worms, dysentery, inflammation, and also irritation of the stomach, intestines, and kidneys, as it is a potential functional food. Its mucilage is a highly viscous polysaccharide that is mostly composed of monosaccharides D-galactose, L-rhamnose, and galacturonic acid, as well as proteins and minerals. The functional properties of okra mucilage have been widely studied, mainly for its potential antidiabetic activity; thus, its use as adjuvant or nutraceutical therapy for diabetes is very promising. Due to its rheological properties, it is a potential resource for pharmaceutical and food applications. Okra mucilage can be extracted by several methods, which can directly influence its physicochemical characteristics and biological activity. Features such as low cost, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and high availability in nature arouse the interest of researchers for the study of okra mucilage. The survey of research on the applications of okra mucilage highlights the importance of using this promising source of bioactive compounds with interesting technological properties. The potential of okra as a functional food, the properties of okra mucilage, and its technological applications are discussed in this review.

In this work, experiment was carried out resulting in the utilization of local viscosifiers as substitute to conventional method (PAC-R) for hole cleaning purposes in drilling mud. The proposed viscosifiers are Irvingia gabonensis (Ogbono) and Abelmoschus esculentus (Okro) as alternative to the imported poly-anionic cellulose-regular (PAC-R) which is used in cutting carrying capacity efficiency. Laboratory tests were carried out on the proposed viscosifiers to evaluate their rheological properties. Slip velocity, annular velocity, shear stress, shear rate and cuttings transport efficiency on hole cleaning parameters were calculated to ascertain the effectiveness of the proposed viscosifiers in comparison with the conventional one (PAC-R). The results of the study showed that the proposed viscosifiers Sample B Irvingia gabonensis (Ogbono) had cutting carrying capacity of 96% for 5, 8, 10 and 15 (g), respectively. However, Sample C Abelmoschus esculentus (Okro) had 96% for 5 g and 8 g and 95% for 10 g and 15 g on the cutting transport efficiency. Based on the result of this work, the proposed viscosifiers compared favorably to that of PAC-R on hole cleaning and cutting carrying capacity.

In the study, 37 okra genotypes have been investigated for their responses against salinity and drought stresses in early plant growth stage. For these purposes, several morphological and physiological measurements and analysis have been done. Shoot and root dry weights, plant height, leaf number, leaf area, relative water content, stomatal conductance, leaf osmotic potential, leaf water potential, shoot Na, K, Ca and Cl concentrations were measured and analyzed. Salt and drought tolerant and sensitive (intolerant) genotypes have been found out according to the responses of the okra genotypes to the above mentioned morphological and physiological parameters. At the end of the study, 37 okra genotypes were classified as tolerant, mildly tolerant or susceptible. The leaf water potential, osmotic potential, stomatal conductance, membrane injury, K, Ca, Na and Cl concentrations in shoot and root were more relevant parameter for screening studies. © 2019 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved. ZF2011KAP3, ZF2010KAP1 The authors want to thank to the UNDP (United Nation Development Programme) for supporting our work with “MDG-F 1680 UN joint programme on enhancing the capacity of Turkey to adapt to climate change”. Many thanks also Cukurova University for the financial supports of ZF2009KAP7, ZF2010KAP1 and ZF2011KAP3 projects.

Background Insulin resistance could be associated with the development of Alzheimer disease (AD). The neuropathological hallmarks of AD are beta amyloid (Aβ) produced from sequential cleavage initiated by β-secretase and degraded by insulin degradation enzyme (IDE), as well as hyperphosphorylation of tau (p-tau). Insulin action involves the cascades of insulin receptor substrates (IRS) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), while phosphorylation of IRS-1 at ser307 (p-ser307IRS-1) hinders the response. Our previous report suggested dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is crucial to insulin resistance, and the subfractions of Abelmoschus esculentus (AE), F1 and F2, attenuate the signaling. Here we aim to investigate whether AE works to reduce Aβ generation via regulating DPP4 and insulin resistance. Methods The subfractions F1 and F2 were prepared according to a succession of procedures. F1 was composed by quercetin glycosides and triterpene ester, and F2 contained a large amount of polysaccharides. The in vitro insulin resistance model was established by SK-N-MC cell line treated with palmitate. MTT was used to define the dose range, and thereby Western blot, ELISA, and the activity assay were used to detect the putative markers. One-way ANOVA was performed for the statistical analysis. Results Treatment of palmitate induced the level of p-ser307IRS-1. Both F1 and F2 effectively decrease p-ser307IRS-1, and recover the expression of p-PI3K. However, the expression of total IRS plunged with 25 μg/mL of F1, while descended steadily with 5 μg/mL of F2. As palmitate increased the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42, both AE subfractions were effective to reduce Aβ generation of and β-secretase activity, but IDE was not altered in any treatment conditions. The expression of DPP4 was also accompanied with insulin resistance signals. Inhibition of DPP4 attenuated the activity of β-secretase and production of Aβ. Moreover, the present data revealed that both AE subfractions significantly decrease the level of p-Tau. Conclusions In conclusion, we demonstrated that AE would be a potential adjuvant to prevent insulin resistance and the associated pathogenesis of AD, and F2 seems more feasible to be developed.

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar as características produtivas da couve de folha em consórcio com quiabeiro sob manejo orgânico. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos: T1 (três linhas de couve com quiabeiro nas entrelinhas), T2 (três linhas de couve com quiabeiro a cada duas entrelinhas), T3 (três linhas de couve com quiabeiro adensado nas entrelinhas), T4 (três linhas de couve com quiabeiro adensado a cada duas entrelinhas), T5 (couve), T6 (quiabeiro) e T7 (quiabeiro adensado). Nos monocultivos a couve e quiabeiro possuíam espaçamento entre linhas de 1,20 x 0,50 m e entre plantas. O quiabeiro adensado estava no espaçamento entre plantas de 0,25 m. Na couve foi avaliada a altura, número de folhas, massa fresca e seca das folhas, área foliar, produtividade comercial e não comercial. No quiabeiro foi avaliado a altura a massa fresca de frutos e produtividade. Foi calculado o índice de uso eficiente da terra (UET). O T3 apresentou maior número de folhas comerciais e área foliar. Os consórcios reduziram a massa de frutos de quiabo por planta. Todos os consórcios apresentaram UET acima de um com ganhos variado de 16 até 60% de eficiência produtiva.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is one vegetable crops most cultivated in Côte d'Ivoire. However, the plant is attacked by insects which caused important damage. This study was carried out to inventory entomofauna associated with okra crop and assess the damage caused by the pests. The insects were captured using pliers, sweep net by mowing technique and colored traps. Overall, a total of 61 species belonging to 36 families grouped into 10 orders were identified. During the plant cycle, 11602 insects were collected, including 3663 individuals at before stage flowering (31.57%); 3757 individuals at the flower bud stage (32.38%) and 4182 individuals at the flowering-fruiting stage (36.05%). Analysis of the occurrence frequency showed thatPodagrica decoloratawas ubiquitous in the crop, causing considerable damage to all organs of the plant. The damage assessment revealed that the defoliators, induced the highest average attack rates at all phenological stages. During the collections, six species (Rhinocoris albopilosus,R. rapax,R. bicolor,Hediocoris fasciatus,CosmolestespictusandCoranussp) belonging to the family of Reduviidae were identified as predators ofP. decolorata. This study therefore made it possible to identifyP. decolorataas a major pest of okra and its predators, thus opening up a perspective of biological control as an alternative to chemical control.&nbsp

Resumen Introducción. El crecimiento, la producción y la calidad de okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) están relacionados con la aplicación de fertilizantes, siendo el nitrógeno (N) el que más destaca, debido a la relación directa con la fotosíntesis y crecimiento vegetativo de la planta. Objetivo. El objetivo fue evaluar las características agronómicas y de productividad de okra en función de la dosis de N. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó en el área experimental Campus Gurupi, de la Universidad Federal de Tocantins (UFT), Brasil, en dos períodos de siembra (otoño/invierno y primavera/verano). El diseño experimental utilizado fue bloques al azar (DBC), con seis tratamientos (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 y 250 kg N ha-1) y cuatro repeticiones. Se utilizó urea como fuente de N. Las características evaluadas fueron: productividad, masa media del fruto, altura e índice de clorofila de la planta. Resultados. La productividad y la altura de la planta resultaron superiores en el cultivo de otoño/invierno. La masa media e índice de clorofila no sufrieron influencia por el período de siembra. Para la productividad, se obtuvo una respuesta lineal en aumento de la dosis hasta el límite de la dosis de N utilizada (250 kg ha-1), con valor medio superior a 14 t de fruto. La masa media y la altura de la planta respondieron linealmente al aumento de la dosis de N. El nitrógeno afectó el índice de clorofila, con valores máximos de 45,96 y 47,19, observados en los dos periodos de evaluación. Conclusión. La época de siembra y el contenido de N en el suelo interactuaron con la altura de la planta, siendo favorable en el periodo que no hubo precipitación. El N influyó en todas las características, lo que demuestra la importancia de la fertilización nitrogenada en el desarrollo de las plantas de okra. Abstract Introduction. The growth, production, and quality of the okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) are related to the application of fertilizers with nitrogen (N) being the most prominent, due to the direct relationship with photosynthesis and vegetative growth of the plant. Objective. The objective was to evaluate the agronomic and productivity characteristics of the okra based on the dose of N. Materials and methods. The study was carried out in the experimental area Campus Gurupi, of the Universidad Federal de Tocantins (UFT), in two planting periods (autumn/winter and spring/summer). The experimental design used was randomized blocks (DBC) with six treatments (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg N ha-1) and four repetitions. Urea was used as a source of N. The characteristics evaluated were: productivity, average fruit mass, height and chlorophyll index of the plant. Results. The productivity and height of the plant were higher in the autumn/winter crop. The average mass and chlorophyll index were not influenced by the sowing period. For productivity a linear response was obtained, increasing the dose up to the limit of the dose of N used (250 kg ha-1), with an average value higher than 14 t of fruit. The mean mass and plant height responded linearly to the increase in the dose of N. Nitrogen affected the chlorophyll index, with maximum values of 45.96 and 47.19, observed in the two evaluation periods. Conclusion. The sowing season and the N content in the soil interacted with the height of the plant, being favorable in the period when there was no precipitation. N influenced all characteristics, demonstrating the importance of nitrogen fertilization development okra plants.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, highly conserved non-coding RNA molecules involved in theregulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. Gene expression involves post-transcriptionalgene regulation by miRNAs. miRNAs are formed from precursor RNA molecules that fold intoa stem loop secondary structure. The mature miRNA is one end of the precursor miRNA,defined by the cut from ‘Drosha’ on either the 5’ or 3’ arm. In this study, we have used abioinformatics approach to identify miRNAs in 3,361 contigs obtained from partial genomesequence data of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) sequenced by NGS technology. Using C-miiand psRNA Target tools, we identified two miRNAs and their target RNAs for which a regulatorymiRNA binding has been verified. Their targets consisted of transcription factors involved ingrowth and development, gene regulation and metabolism. Phylogenetic analysis of the newlyidentified miRNA family has been done to compare their level of conservation with respect tothe other members of the plant kingdom.

From 2014 to 2016, approximately 5% of okra fruit were observed displaying gray mold symptoms at the research field of Jeollabuk-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services, Korea. The symptoms observed were water-soaked, brown or gray spots, and abundant mycelial with conidia appearing on the infected fruit. Initial infection commenced from the base of fruit and gradually moved to the pod, where it finally resulted in collapse. Colonies on potato dextrose agar were gray to grayish brown, felted and cottony expanding 65-80 mm after one week. The fungus formed several black sclerotia ranging 1.0-3.5×0.5-3.0 mm on the Petri dish after two weeks. The conidia were one-celled, ellipsoidal or ovoid, colorless or pale brown, and 6.2-15.4×5.0-10.4 µm. Conidiophores arose solitary or in groups, straight or flexuous, septate, with an inflated basal cell brown to light brown, and measured 85-450×10.0-40.0 µm. On the basis of the morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer rDNA, the fungus was identified as Botrytis cinerea Pers. Pathogenicity of a representative isolate was proved by artificial inoculation, fulfilling Koch’s postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of B. cinerea on okra in Korea.

Background: Leafy vegetables (Abelmoschus esculentus, Vigna unguiculata, Corchorus olitorius, Ipomea batatas, Solanum melongena.) are sold on markets to people who consume them in different forms. Studies have shown their nutritional value but there is little information on the amino acids and fatty acids of these leafy vegetables. The objective of this study was to evaluate the composition in the micronutrients of these leafy vegetables. Method: These leafy vegetables were washed and dried to determine protein and lipid levels. An evaluation of the amino acid levels and the fatty acid profile was performed on these samples. Results: Statistical analysis showed that leaves of Vigna unguiculata (18.31 ± 0.29 g / 100 g) and Corchorus olitorius (19.15 ± 0.32 g / 100 g) contained more protein (p> 0). , 05). The amino acid percentages of Solanum melongena leaves were significantly (p> 0.05) higher than other leafy vegetables. Overall, the essential fatty acid profiles of the five leafy vegetables studied were characterized by high levels of oleic acid (17.06-22.70%), linoleic acid (15.19-43, 90%) and α- linolenic acid (0.70 - 39.20%). Conclusion: All these results show that leafy vegetables are excellent sources of micronutrients for both humans and animals.

Evaluation of pre-commercial hybrids in a germplasm bank is essential for determining its commercial potential or its utility as a potential genitor in a breeding program. The objective of this study was to determine genetic divergence and per se behavior of 47 pre-commercial hybrids from okra germplasm bank of the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia. Precocity index (%), number of fruits (fruits per plant), average fruit mass (g) and productivity (g per plant) were evaluated. Analysis of genetic divergence was performed by multivariate analysis using Mahalanobis distance with different clustering methods (UPGMA and canonical analysis). The performance of hybrids was compared by Scott-Knott (p= 0.05). A significant genetic variability among okra hybrids was observed. UPGMA and canonical analysis grouped the hybrids similarly, being satisfactory to represent genetic divergence. Ten hybrids presented higher performance than the commercial hybrids. Among them, UFU-QB16 stood out as the most promising hybrid for being used as a potential parent in breeding programs after auto pollination. RESUMO A avaliação de híbridos pré-comerciais em um banco de germoplasma é essencial para determinar seu potencial comercial ou sua utilidade como potenciais genitores em um programa de melhoramento. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a divergência genética e o comportamento per se de 47 híbridos pré-comerciais pertencentes ao banco de germoplasma de quiabeiro da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia. Foi avaliado o índice de precocidade (%), o número de frutos (frutos por planta), o peso médio do fruto (g) e a produtividade (g por planta). A análise da divergência genética foi realizada por meio de técnicas multivariadas utilizando-se a distância generalizada de Mahalanobis e empregando-se diferentes métodos de agrupamento (UPGMA e Variáveis Canônicas). O desempenho dos híbridos foi comparado pelo teste de médias Scott-Knott (p= 0,05). Houve significativa variabilidade genética entre os híbridos de quiabeiro. Os métodos UPGMA e Variáveis Canônicas agruparam os híbridos de forma semelhante, sendo satisfatórios para representar a divergência genética. Dez híbridos obtiveram desempenho superior aos híbridos comerciais. Dentre eles, o híbrido pré-comercial UFU-QB16 se destacou como o mais promissor, podendo também ser utilizado, após autofecundação, na obtenção de genitores potenciais em programas de melhoramento genético.

As climate changes increase, drought stress is becoming a problem for all major horticultural crops; among them is okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). Despite its superior resilience to heat stress and high nutritional content, it is still underutilized in contrast to other vegetable crops. Moreover, the drought-resistant and drought-sensitive genotypes of okra are also not well known and require further exploration to improve their productivity. To investigate this in more detail, we performed comparative physiological and large-scale chloroplast proteomics on drought-stressed genotypes of okra. We evaluated four major genotypes of okra, viz., NS7774, NS7772, Green Gold, and OH3312 for drought resilient rootstock. The physiological modulations demonstrated a significant change by 50–76% in biomass, net-photosynthetic machinery, water transport, and absorption both in early and late stages of drought stress compared to well-watered crops in all genotypes. Maximum oxidative damage due to drought stress was observed for the genotypes NS7772, Green Gold and OH3312 as depicted by H2O2 and O2− determination. Greater oxidative stress was correlated to lesser antioxidant activity and expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase and ascorbate peroxidase under stress in okra genotypes. The overall photosynthetic pigments, such as total chlorophyll, and total carotenoid content, were also decreased, and stomatal guard cells were disrupted and appeared closed compared to the control for the above three mentioned genotypes, except NS7774. A subsequent tissue-specific proteome analysis of chloroplasts and thylakoids analyzed by BN-PAGE (blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) revealed either over or under expression of specific proteins, such as ATPase, PSI, PSII core dimer, PSII monomer and ATP synthase. The expression of multiprotein complex proteins, including PSII-core dimer and PSII-core monomer, was slightly higher for the genotype NS7774 when compared to three other genotypes for both 5 and 10 days of drought stress. Further identification of specific proteins obtained in second dimension BN-PAGE provided descriptive detail of seven proteins involved in drought resistance across all genotypes. The identified proteins are majorly involved in photosynthesis under drought stress, suggesting NS7774 as a drought tolerant genotype. Further, the proteomic results were confirmed using Immunoblot by selecting specific protein such as PsaA. Overall, from our physiological modulations and chloroplast proteomics in all genotypes, we summarized NS7774 as a resilient rootstock and the other three genotypes (NS7772, OH3312, and Green Gold) as sensitive ones.

Background: Hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemias are common clinical problem among users of glucocorticoids (GCs). The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of oral administration of the aqueous extract of Abelmoschus esculentus peel (AEPE) on hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia induced in rats by dexamethasone (DEXA). Methods: Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. Each group was treated for 10 days either with 2% carboxymethylcellulose orally (normal control); 10 mg/kg DEXA subcutaneously (hyperglycemic group); 100 mg/kg AEPE orally plus 10 mg/kg DEXA subcutaneously (treatment group 1); or 200 mg/kg AEPE orally plus 10 mg/kg DEXA subcutaneously (treatment group 2). Animals were killed after 10 days of treatments by decapitation, their blood collected for the analysis of blood sugar and lipid profile. Results: Treatment with DEXA induced a significant increase in blood glucose and all lipids and a significant reduction in body weights. After 10 days of treatment, 100 mg/kg of AEPE was able to significantly reduce the effect of DEXA on triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) only. 200 mg/kg of AEPE was able to significantly reduce the effect of DEXA on blood glucose levels, cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. Both doses of AEPE were able to increase high-density lipoprotein. Conclusion: This study suggests that the AEPE could be beneficial in protecting against GC-induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.

Purpose In a novel attempt, vermicompost derived from an intransigent and noxious weed salvinia was assessed for its fertilizer value and pest repellent properties. Methods In outdoor experiments which simulated the way vegetables are cultivated by farmers, ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds were germinated and grown in soil supplemented with salvinia vermicompost at four levels: 0 (V0), 2.5 (V1), 3.75 (V2) and 5 (V3) t/ha. Besides assessing germination success and subsequent growth, yield, and biochemical content of the plants, the impact of pest attacks on them was also studied. Results Salvinia vermicompost significantly enhanced germination success, growth, and yield of the plants. Maximum growth in terms of shoot length (96.2 cm), root length (48.2 cm), shoot and root dry weight (23.31, 7.96 g), stem diameter (14.04 mm), and number of leaves and branches (26.8, 4.8) was recorded in V4 (5t/ha). Likewise, the mineral and biochemical content in vermicompost-treated plants was significantly higher than in the controls. The vermicompost also induced resistance in plants against pests and disease. Compared to the controls, vermicompost had reduced the fruit borer infection by 65, 78 and 82% in V1, V2 and V3, respectively. Conclusion The toxicity of salvinia is largely eliminated when it is vermicomposted, and the product acquires the qualities of a good organic fertilizer. The present work can potentially lead to the development of an inexpensive, sustainable and eco-friendly method of utilizing billions of tons of phytomass that is generated annually by salvinia, and which presently goes to waste.

Plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria are an alternative to increase the productivity, adding value to the productive system of crops like okra. We aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of okra genotypes after seed microbiolization with nine strains of rhizobacteria. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in a 2x10 factorial scheme, using two okra genotypes, cultivar Santa Cruz 47 and hybrid Dardo, nine strains of rhizobacteria, LEBM 103, 105, 109, 112, 118, 134, 135, 152 and 154 and one control (without microbiolization), with four replications. We analyzed number of fruits per plant (NFP), average diameter of fruits (DM), productivity (PDT); fresh mass of fruits per plant (MFFP) and average mass of fruit (MMF). The rhizobacteria strains LEBM 109, 112, 152 and 154 provided the highest values for MFFP (1202.7; 1086.5; 1158.2 and 1175.9 g, respectively) PDT (24.1; 21.7; 23.2 and 23.5 t/ha, respectively) and NFP (78.0; 69.4; 73.27 and 76.5, respectively) in relation to the other strains and the non-use of seed microbiolization of hybrid Dardo. For cultivar Santa Cruz 47, the rhizobacteria LEBM 105, 112 and 152 provided the highest values for MFFP (896.7; 769.0 and 762.2 g, respectively). Evaluating genotypes when using each rhizobacteria, for MFFP and PDT, only for LEBM 105, no difference among genotypes was noticed, so, we concluded that okra seed microbiolization with rhizobacteria may provide productivity gain with possibility to become a feasible technique. The rhizobacteria which are the most recommended for growing hybrid Dardo are LEBM 109, 112, 152 and 154, whereas for growing cultivar Santa Cruz 47 are LEBM 105, 112 and 152. RESUMO As rizobácterias promotoras de crescimento de plantas surgem como alternativa para incrementar a produtividade, agregando valor ao sistema produtivo de culturas como o quiabeiro. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o rendimento agronômico de duas cultivares de quiabeiro após a microbiolização das sementes com nove cepas de rizobactérias. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos inteiramente casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2x10, sendo dois genótipos de quiabo, cultivar Santa Cruz 47 e híbrido Dardo, nove cepas de rizobactéria, LEBM 103, 105, 109, 112, 118, 134, 135, 152 e 154, além de uma testemunha (sem microbiolização), com quatro repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: número de frutos por planta (NFP); diâmetro médio dos frutos (DM); produtividade (PDT); massa fresca dos frutos por planta (MFFP) e massa média por fruto (MMF). Verificou-se que a utilização das rizobactérias LEBM 109, 112, 152 e 154 condicionou maiores valores de MFFP (1202,7; 1086,5; 1158,2 e 1175,9 g, respectivamente), PDT (24,1; 21,7; 23,2 e 23,5 t/ha, respectivamente) e NFP (78,0; 69,4; 73,27 e 76,5, respectivamente), em relação às demais cepas e à não utilização da microbiolização das sementes do hibrido Dardo. Para a cultivar Santa Cruz 47 as rizobactérias LEBM 105, 112 e 152 proporcionaram maiores valores de MFFP (896,7; 769,0 e 762,2 g, respectivamente). Avaliando-se os genótipos ao utilizar cada rizobactéria, para as variáveis MFFP e PDT, verificou-se que apenas para a rizobactéria LEBM 105, não houve diferenças entre os genótipos. Conclui-se, que a microbiolização de sementes de quiabo com rizobactérias pode proporcionar ganhos de produtividade e com potencial de se tornar uma técnica viável. As rizobactérias mais recomendadas para o cultivo do híbrido Dardo são a LEBM 109, 112, 152 e 154, enquanto para o cultivo da cv. Santa Cruz 47 são as cepas LEBM 105, 112 e 152.

Resumo. As cochonilhas sao insetos sugadores de seiva que causam enfraquecimento das plantas, queda de frutos, alem de atuarem como vetores de fitopatogenos e favorecerem a ocorrencia da fumagina, que por sua vez diminui a capacidade fotossintetica das plantas. A especie Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley e uma especie polifaga e relatada em plantas cultivadas, ornamentais, hortalicas e especies daninhas. No presente estudo, registrou-se a ocorrencia da cochonilha P. solenopsis na cultura do quiabeiro no municipio de Rio Branco, estado do Acre, Brasil. Exemplares da cochonilha foram coletados em plantas de quiabeiro cultivados em horta urbana em marco de 2015. Observou-se que a infestacao da cochonilha ocorreu em brotos terminais, caules e frutos dessa malvacea. Ressalta-se ser esse o primeiro relato de ocorrencia e infestacao de P. solenopsis em quiabeiro no estado do Acre. Occurrence of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in okra in Acre state, Brazil Abstract. Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that cause weakening of plants, fruit drop, and act as vectors of pathogens and favor the occurrence of sooty mold which decreases in the photosynthetic capacity of plants. The species Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley is a polyphagous species and has been reported in cultivated, ornamental plants, vegetables and weeds. In the present study, the mealybug P. solenopsis was reported in okra culture in the county of Rio Branco, state of Acre, Brazil. Samples of mealybug were collected in cultivated okra plants in urban garden in March 2015. It was observed that the infestation of the mealybug occurred in terminal buds, stems and fruits of these plants. It is noteworthy that this is the first report of occurrence and infestation of P. solenopsis in Acre state.

The little-known use of okra grafting, mainly to incorporate nematode resistance, requires evaluation of interspecific compatibilities. This study aimed to determine the compatibility of the okra ‘Santa Cruz 47’ cultivar grafted onto different rootstocks of the Malvaceae family. The research was divided into two experimental stages, with the treatments consisting of non-grafted, self-grafted or grafted okra plants onto rootstocks of mallow, roselle and pima cotton. In the first stage, a completely randomized design was used, with four replications and seedlings grown in a humidity chamber. In the second stage, the seedlings were transplanted to a greenhouse and a randomized block design was used, with five replications. The results of the first stage demonstrated that the self-grafting provided the best results for the growth characteristics assessed, except for the diameter of the grafted region. There was no difference among the treatments for the graft survival rate. In the second stage, the use of roselle as a rootstock enabled an adequate vegetative development, but did not differ from the treatments of self-grafting and mallow rootstock for the graft survival rate. The treatments did not differ for fruit diameter, length and average mass. Grafts onto roselle were the most precocious ones, with estimated means for production per plant (478.75 g), commercial yield (10.07 t ha-1) and total yield (10.64 t ha-1) similar to those observed for self-grafted and non-grafted plants. Hence, among the assessed rootstocks, roselle was identified as the most promising one for grafting with okra.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-03T17:31:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2019-10-04T16:20:28Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0100-204X2019000102900.pdf: 323004 bytes, checksum: 612251eae361fd8311e4e53a65f62c7b (MD5) Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar os danos causados por Meloidogyne enterolobii em quiabeiro (Abelmoschus esculentus) e verificar a confiabilidade do fator de reprodução como medição adequada para a seleção de genótipos de quiabeiro resistentes. Avaliaram-se populações crescentes de M. enterolobii - 0, 500, 1.500, 3.000, 5.000 e 7.000 ovos e juvenis de segundo estádio (J2) por planta -, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. O patógeno apresentou padrão de parasitismo similar ao de M. incognita, tendo causado redução significativa de parâmetros morfológicos e agronômicos. O fator de reprodução do patógeno deve ser usado na seleção de genótipos de quiabeiro quanto à tolerância a M. enterolobii, em populações acima de 3.000 ovos ou J2. Abstract: The objective of this work was to estimate the damage caused by Meloidogyne enterolobii in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and to verify the reliability of the reproduction factor as a suitable measure for selecting resistant okra genotypes. Increasing populations of M. enterolobii - 0, 500, 1,500, 3,000, 5,000, and 7,000 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) per plant, - were evaluated, in a completely randomized design. The pathogen showed a parasitism pattern similar to that of M. incognita, causing a significant decrease in morphological and agronomic traits. The pathogen reproduction factor should be used in the selection of okra genotypes for tolerance to M. enterolobii, in populations above 3,000 eggs or J2. Universidade Estadual Paulista Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Universidade Estadual Paulista Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of different doses Abelmoschus esculentus hydroalcoholic extract (AEHE) on changes in pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and testicular tissue in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic adult rats. Materials and Methods: The rats were randomly divided into six groups of six. The control group did not receive treatment, but the STZ60 group received 60 mg/kg STZ intraperitoneally for 3 days to induce diabetes and the AEHE400 group received 400 mg/kg AEHE orally for 28 days. The STZ60 + AEHE100, 200 and 400 groups first received 60 mg/kg STZ intraperitoneally for 3 days to induce diabetes and then received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg AEHE, respectively, for 28 days orally. At the end of the study, the hormonal levels were measured by ELISA method, and the testicular tissue was evaluated histopathologically. Results: Hormonal results represented that compared to the control and AEHE400 groups, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels had increased in STZ60 group, and testosterone level had decreased. In the STZ60 + AEHE groups, FSH, LH and testosterone levels were improved compared to the STZ60 group. Histopathological findings also showed that compared to the control and AEHE400 groups, the number of spermatogenic and Leydig cells decreased in STZ60 group, but there were no changes in Sertoli cells. In the STZ60 + AEHE groups, an improvement in the number of spermatogenic and Leydig cells was observed compared to the STZ60 group. Conclusion: At the optimum dose (400 mg/kg), AEHE has protective effects on the testicular tissue and levels of pituitary-gonadal axis hormones in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Seed companies increasingly need to obtain reliable results on seed vigor. Therefore, the objective was to verify the efficiency of the respiratory activity measurement, by the CO2 released, to classify the vigor of okra seed lots. For this, five seed lots of okra cv. "Santa Cruz 47" were used. In order to determine seed physiological quality, the following tests were performed: germination, seedling emergence, emergence speed index, shoot length, total dry matter, potassium leaching, electrical conductivity and respiratory activity. Mean values of germination and vigor were compared by Tukey's test. Respiratory activity was correlated with germination and other vigor tests by the Pearson's correlation. The results indicate that CO2 measurement is a promising method to identify vigor differences between okra seed lots. As empresas produtoras de sementes necessitam cada vez mais da obtenção de resultados confiáveis quanto ao vigor da semente. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se verificar a eficiência da medição da atividade respiratória, através da emissão de CO2, para classificação do vigor de lotes de sementes de quiabo. Para isso, utilizaram-se cinco lotes de sementes de quiabo cv. “Santa Cruz 47”. Para determinação da qualidade fisiológica das sementes, foram realizados os seguintes testes: germinação, emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, comprimento da parte aérea, matéria seca total, lixiviação de potássio, condutividade elétrica e atividade respiratória. As médias de germinação e vigor foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. O teste de atividade respiratória foi correlacionado com a germinação e demais testes de vigor através da correlação de Pearson. A medição do CO2 constitui-se em um método promissor para identificar diferenças de vigor em lotes de sementes de quiabo.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-07-14T10:33:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-02-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-14T11:32:51Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S1808-16572017000100306.pdf: 2252168 bytes, checksum: 2faaacdc8877033ab8603484d533aa39 (MD5) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Em um experimento sobre a produção orgânica do quiabeiro (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench), que foi instalado em Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil, no período de setembro de 2013 a janeiro de 2014, observou-se, na face adaxial do limbo foliar das folhas medianas e baixeiras, a ocorrência de lesões cloróticas e necróticas grandes, helicoidais, de coloração marrom escuro ou marrom claro e descontínuas, com desprendimento parcial da área lesionada. Na face abaxial, sobre as manchas, em condições de alta umidade, constatou-se a presença de um manto micelial esbranquiçado do patógeno, facilmente visível, recobrindo a área colonizada. Por meio da análise de características morfológicas, postulados de Koch e análise filogenética da região ITS-5.8S do rDNA do fungo isolado, identificou-se Thanatephorus cucumeris (Frank) Donk (fase assexuada Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn grupo de anastomose AG-1 ID) como o agente causal da doença. Este é o primeiro relato de T. cucumeris causando mancha foliar em quiabeiro no Brasil e, provavelmente, no mundo. Até então, sua ocorrência em quiabeiro estava restrita à podridão pós-colheita em frutos e tombamento de mudas. In an experiment on organic production of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) that was carried out from September 2013 to January 2014, in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, we observed large chlorotic, necrotic, helical, discontinuous, dark or light-brown lesions with partial detachment of the injured area on the adaxial surface of leaves located in the median and basal portions of the plants. A whitish mycelium mantle covers the lesions on the leaves at the abaxial surface at high moisture conditions. Using morphological characteristics, Koch’s postulates, and phylogenetic analyses of the ITS-5.8S rDNA region, we identified that the fungus causing the lesions on the okra leaves was Thanatephorus cucumeris (Frank) Donk (asexual stage of Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn of the anastomosis group AG-1 ID). This is the first report of T. cucumeris causing web blight on okra in Brazil, and probably in the world. So far, T. cucumeris was described on okra only on post-harvest pods rotting and seedlings’ damping off. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas: 307295/2015-0; 2004/02127-9 CNPq: 307295/2015-0; 2004/02127-9 FAPESP: 307295/2015-0; 2004/02127-9

Resumo. A partir de coletas realizadas em área rural no município de Paraíso do Tocantins, TO, foram obtidos exemplares do percevejo-de-renda Gargaphia lunulata (Mayr). Os insetos estavam ocasionando danos em cultivos comerciais de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Fabales: Fabaceae), quiabo [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] (Malvales: Malvaceae), maracujá (Passiflora edulis Sims) (Malpighiales: Passifloraceae) e também em plantas daninhas conhecidas como flor-do-guarujá (Turnera ulmifolia L.) (Malpighiales: Turneraceae) e fedegoso [Senna alata (L.) Roxb.] (Fabales: Fabaceae). A ocorrência de G. lunulata em feijão, quiabo, flor-do-guarujá e fedegoso é registrada pela primeira vez no Estado, sendo os percevejos-de-renda encontrados com maior densidade populacional em flor-do-guarujá, maracujá e feijão. Abstract. From the samples made in rural areas in the municipality of Paraíso do Tocantins, Tocantins state, Brazil, specimens of the lace bug Gargaphia lunulata (Mayr) were obtained. The insects were causing damage to commercial of bean (Fabales: Fabaceae), okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] (Malvales: Malvaceae), passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) (Malpighiales: Passifloraceae) (Turnera ulmifolia L.) (Malpighiales:Turneraceae) and fedegoso [Senna alata (L.) Roxb.] (Fabales: Fabaceae). The occurrence of G. lunulata in cowpea, okra, 'guarujá flower' and 'fedegoso' is recorded for the first time in the state, with the lace bugs found with higher population density in ?guarujá? flower, passion fruit and bean. Made available in DSpace on 2018-09-04T01:26:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 26681.pdf: 703184 bytes, checksum: 68f885685bca8c30490af79ee94f3001 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-09-03

This study evaluated the involvement of peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase on the enzymatic browning of okra and the role of catalase in the appearance of chilling injury in cultivars Amarelinho and Mammoth Spineless treated with hot water. Okra fruits from two cultivars were immersed in water at 40°C, during 15 and 30 minutes. The control treatment was not immersed, and all fruits were stored at 5°C. Visual analysis of fruits was carried out and total chlorophyll content and total phenolic compounds were determined. The activity of the enzymes catalase, peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase was analyzed. In all treatments, the cultivar Mammoth Spineless showed higher values of chlorophyll content and soluble phenolic compounds compared to cultivar Amarelinho. For both cultivars, catalase activity was higher at the last days of storage, regardless if the fruits were immersed or not in hot water. However, the catalase activity was higher in ‘Mammoth Spineless’, which presented the higher tolerance to chilling injury. The fruit skin browning was coincident with the increase on polyphenoloxidase activity and phenolic compounds content. This relationship was not observed for the peroxidase activity. The heat treatment during 15 minutes increased the length of storage of cultivar Amarelinho, and for 30 minutes of the cultivar Mammoth Spineless. RESUMO O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a relação das enzimas peroxidase e polifenoloxidase com o escurecimento enzimático do quiabo e analisar o envolvimento da catalase com o aparecimento de injúria por frio, em frutos das cultivares Amarelinho e Mammoth Spineless imersos em água quente. Frutos de quiabo das duas cultivares foram imersos em água a 40°C por 15 e 30 minutos. O tratamento controle não foi imerso, e todos os frutos foram armazenados a 5°C. Realizou-se a análise visual dos frutos e determinou-se os teores de clorofilas totais e compostos fenólicos totais. Analisou-se a atividade da enzima catalase, peroxidase e polifenoloxidase. Em todos os tratamentos, a cultivar Mammoth Spineless apresentou valores de clorofila e compostos fenólicos superiores em relação à cultivar Amarelinho. A catalase apresentou maior atividade, para as duas cultivares, nos últimos dias de armazenamento, para frutos imersos ou não. Porém, a atividade da catalase foi maior em ‘Mammoth Spineless’ que foi a que apresentou maior tolerância à injúria chilling. O escurecimento dos frutos coincidiu com o aumento da atividade da enzima PPO e do conteúdo de compostos fenólicos. Para a peroxidase, esta relação, não foi observada. O tratamento térmico durante 15 e 30 minutos proporcionou maior período de conservação para as cultivares Amarelinho e Mammoth Spineless, respectivamente.

Waterlogging is an environmental challenge affecting crops worldwide. Ethylene induces the expression of genes linked to important agronomic traits under waterlogged conditions. The ability of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench.) and maize (Zea mays L.) given exogenous ethylene priming to tolerate prolonged waterlogged conditions was investigated in this study. The investigation was carried out as field experiments using 3 week-old plants grouped into four treatments; control, waterlogged plants, ethylene priming of plants before waterlogging, and ethylene priming of plants after waterlogging. Different growth parameters were recorded. Soil chemical and bacterial analyses were performed. The activity and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes were studied. The ethylene biosynthetic genes expression analysis and root anatomy of surviving okra plants were also carried out. Results revealed that okra and maize plants showed increase in their height under waterlogged conditions. Ethylene priming and waterlogged conditions induced early production of adventitious roots in okra and maize. Maize survival lasted between 5 and 9 weeks under waterlogging without reaching the flowering stage. However, okra survived up to 15 weeks under waterlogging producing flower buds and fruits in all treatments. Variable changes were also recorded for total soluble phenolics of soil. Cross sections of waterlogged okra roots showed the formation of a dark peripheral layer and numerous large aerenchyma cells which may have assisted in trapping oxygen required for survival. The activity and gene expression levels of antioxidant enzymes were studied and showed higher increases in the root and leaf tissues of okra and maize subjected to both waterlogging and ethylene priming, as compared to control or waterlogged condition. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis also showed that the ethylene biosynthetic gene expression levels in all okra and maize tissues were up-regulated and showed much higher levels under ethylene-treated waterlogged conditions than those expressed under control or waterlogged conditions at all time points. These results indicate that okra and maize tissues respond to the conditions of waterlogging and exogenous ethylene priming by inducing their ethylene biosynthetic genes expression in order to enhance ethylene production and tolerate the prolonged waterlogging stress. In conclusion, this study revealed that exogenously generated ethylene gas as a priming treatment before or after waterlogging could enhance waterlogging tolerance in maize and okra crops.

Aims: This study evaluated potentials of aqueous extract of pod husk of Parkia biglobosa as a biopesticide in okra production. Study Design: The study employed a radomized complete block design with seven treatments (5, 10, 15 and 20% Parkia biglobosa aqueous pod husk extract (PPHE), 2.5 ml dimethoate + cypermethrin (D+C) – recommended, 5.0 ml (D+C), control – 500 ml of water) and replicated three times. Place and Duration of Study: Crop Garden of Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan (7° 34’N and 3° 54’E) between April and July 2016. Methodology: The leaves, seeds, pod husks and bark of Parkia biglobosa were collected, authenticated and analyzed for their phytochemical compositions using standard procedures. Aqueous extract of the pod husk of the plant (PPHE) was found to contain the highest phytochemicals qualitatively and quantitatively which formed the basis of using it as a biopesticide. A field study was conducted at the crop garden of Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, to assess the potency of the extract as a biopesticide and a synthetic insecticide - Dimethoate 14.5% + Cypermethrin 5.5% (D+C) on the management of flea beetles on NHAe-47-4 okra variety. The seven treatments (5, 10, 15 and 20% Parkia biglobosa aqueous pod husk extract (PPHE), 2.5 ml dimethoate + cypermethrin (D+C) – recommended, 5.0 ml (D+C) (synthetic), control – 500 ml of water) were applied weekly on okra plants from two Weeks After Sowing (WAS) till 12 WAS. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters, dry matter accumulation of A. esculentus and flea beetle populations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at P = 0.05. Results: Results revealed that treatment 20% PPHE had relatively higher values of growth parameters which compared favorably (p≤0.05) with 2.5 ml and 5 ml (D+C). Yield parameters; Number of fruits and fruit weights from 20%PPHE also compared favorably with 2.5 ml and 5 ml (D+C) with no significant difference (P >0 .05) and with the same trend in dry root weight. While the dry shoot weight of 2.5 ml (D+C) treatment (p≤0.05) was different from other treatments. The control treatment however, revealed significant differences (p Conclusion: This study showed the efficacy and potency of Parkia biglobosa aqueous pod husk extract (PPHE) in suppressing the flea beetles due to its highest quantities of phytochemicals. The 20% concentration also enhanced the growth and yield of okra and performed relatively well with the recommended dose (2.5 ml) of D+C. The aqueous pod husk extract, therefore could serve as a biopesticide for food sustainability and safety.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulatory RNAs, originated from hairpin precursors. For the past decade, researchers have been focusing extensively on miRNA profiles in various plants. However, there have been few studies on the global profiling of precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs), even in model plants. Here, for the first time in a non-model plant—Abelmoschus esculentus with negligible genome information—we are reporting the global profiling to characterize the miRNAs and their associated pre-miRNAs by applying a next generation sequencing approach. Preliminarily, we performed small RNA (sRNA) sequencing with five biological replicates of leaf samples to attain 207,285,863 reads; data analysis using miRPlant revealed 128 known and 845 novel miRNA candidates. With the objective of seizing their associated hairpin precursors, we accomplished pre-miRNA sequencing to attain 83,269,844 reads. The paired end reads are merged and adaptor trimmed, and the resulting 40–241 nt (nucleotide) sequences were picked out for analysis by using perl scripts from the miRGrep tool and an in-house built shell script for Minimum Fold Energy Index (MFEI) calculation. Applying the stringent criteria of the Dicer cleavage pattern and the perfect stem loop structure, precursors for 57 known miRNAs of 15 families and 18 novel miRNAs were revealed. Quantitative Real Time (qRT) PCR was performed to determine the expression of selected miRNAs.

High heterosis values can be obtained using hybrid okra seeds. However, despite high heterotic values, it is very difficult to produce hybrid okra seeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate an experimental methodology of hybridization. Two different methods of hybridization were used: traditional manual hybridization with complete emasculation followed by hand pollination (artificial) and, an experimental methodology, performing manual hybridization with incomplete emasculation followed by entomophilous natural pollination between two inbred lines (UFU-QB-040D and UFU-QB-107G).These inbred lines were obtained from three selection cycles. Three hybrid types were obtained from the two hybridization methods: F1 THM(UFU-QB-040D x UFU-QB-107G), F1 IHM(UFU-QB-107G x UFU-QB-040D) and F1 IHM(UFU-QB-040D x UFU-QB-107G). The resulting hybrid seeds and their parents were evaluated via an experiment set up in a randomized block design with four repetitions. We evaluated fruit production per plant, fruits per plant, number of branchess per plant, superiority of hybrids relative to parents (h) and heterosis (%). At the end of the cycle, morphological characterizations was done of the leaves (pubescence, length and width) and fruit (length, diameter and shape). Heterosis resulting from the incomplete emasculation followed by natural insect pollination was similar to that from the traditional hybrid method, being a viable alternative for the production of hybrid okra seeds without losses in heterosis. RESUMO Altos valores de heterose podem ser obtidos utilizando sementes híbridas de quiabo. Apesar dos altos valores heteróticos há grande dificuldade para produzir sementes híbridas de quiabo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar uma metodologia experimental de hibridação para produção de sementes híbridas de quiabo. Foram utilizadas duas metodologias de hibridação: hibridação tradicional, manual com emasculação completa seguida por polinização manual (artificial) e uma metodologia experimental, realizando hibridação manual com emasculação incompleta seguida por polinização entomófila natural, entre as duas linhagens endogâmicas (UFU-QB-040D e UFU-QB-107G). Essas linhagens endogâmicas foram obtidas após três ciclos de seleção. Utilizando as duas metodologias de hibridação foram obtidos três tipos de híbridos: F1 THM(UFU-QB-040D x UFU-QB-107G), F1 IHM(UFU-QB-107G x UFU-QB-040D) e F1 IHM(UFU-QB-040D x UFU-QB-107G). De posse das sementes dos híbridos e dos parentais foi realizado um experimento em delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas a produção de frutos por planta, número de frutos por planta, número de hastes por planta, superioridade dos híbridos em relação aos pais (h) e heterose (%). No final do ciclo, foram realizadas a caracterização morfológico de folhas (pilosidade, comprimento e largura) e de frutos (comprimento, diâmetro e formato). Pode-se concluir que, utilizando a emasculação incompleta com polinização entomófila para produção de sementes híbridas de quiabo, foram obtidos valores similares de heterose quando comparado com a hibridação pelo método tradicional, indicando uma nova alternativa de produção de sementes híbridas de quiabo sem qualquer prejuízo no efeito heterótico dos híbridos.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an economically important crop in sub-Saharan Africa. The vegetable is of major technological interest in food and medicinal applications. A survey was conducted by administering structured questionnaires (1560) in major okra-producing regions in Ghana to determine the level of okra utilization and nutritional and medicinal attributes of the crop. The okra pectin yield and intrinsic viscosity at different maturity stages were also investigated. Isolation of okra pectin from the pods at different harvest maturity was performed by aqueous extraction at pH 6.0. The intrinsic viscosity [η] of the okra pectin solutions was determined at 20°C using Ubbelohde capillary viscometer. The survey showed that okra is well known (96.9%) across the country among the various ethnic groups. The majority (94.7%) of the respondents use okra as food, whereas few utilized the crop as medicine (22.1%) and for other applications (9.6%). The respondents widely used okra in the form of soup (73.1%) and stew (68.7%) consumed popularly with banku (81.3%) and tuo zaafi (38.8%). The majority of respondents (65.2%) showed interest in the development of new products from okra. Highest pectin yield was obtained for intermediate matured fruits, followed by that of immature fruits and lowest for overgrown fruits. The intrinsic viscosity value, however, was highest for immature fruits. The study showed that okra is mainly used as food among various ethnic groups and that it is important to identify the most appropriate stage of development to harvest the okra fruit. This knowledge would enhance the potential of okra for specific use or functionality.

Objective To evaluate a formulation from the milky mangrove tree Excoecaria agallocha L. ( E. agallocha ) against Helicoverpa armigera Hubner (H. armigera) . Methods About 3% aqueous ethanolic spray formulation derived from the lipophilic extract of E. agallocha (dry leaf) was evaluated against H. armigera in Abelmoschus esculentus (lady's finger) and Cajanus cajan (C. cajan) (pigeon pea), under field conditions. Results On the 9th day of the 4th spray the larval count in the plot treated with 3% E. agallocha formulation drastically came down to 0.23 larva/plant, compared to 1.63 in the ethanol control plot and 1.60 in the unsprayed plot. Blocks sprayed with 3% E. agallocha formulation yielded 35.8 quintals/hectare (q/ha) of healthy pods compared to Ekalux® (pod yield: 60.7 q/ha), 3% Vijay Neem® (60.22 q/ha), yield plot (6 q/ha) and ethanol control (7 q/ha). In C. cajan , 1% E. agallocha , 3% Nimbecidine® and 0.07% indoxacarb were equally potent in reducing the larval population of H. armigera and the non-target pest Spilosoma obliqua to 0%, from the 9th day (3rd spray). Indoxacarb plot recorded the maximum yield of 16.1 q/ha with 2.4% pod damage. Plots sprayed with 1% E. agallocha yielded 14.7 q/ha with 2.32% pod damage. The effect of 3% Nimbecidine® spray (14.35 q/ha) was comparable to E. agallocha formulation. Unsprayed and ethanol control plots yielded 12.41 and 11.2 q/ha of pods with an average pod damage of 4.7%. Conclusions E. agallocha formulation was found to be promising for the control of H. armigera , under field conditions.

The potential of perimeter trap cropping, using short and extra-short duration pigeon pea (SD PP and ESD PP), sorghum and cotton, was evaluated in Niger as an agroecological alternative to pesticide application on okra for the management of the tomato fruit worm (TFW) Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner). In 2008, infestation by TFW and damage by fruit worms of unsprayed okra with SD PP borders was intermediate between cypermethrin-sprayed and unsprayed pure okra crops. In 2009, the cypermethrin-sprayed okra was significantly less damaged by fruit worms than in the unsprayed pure okra, as well as in the unsprayed okra crops with SD PP, sorghum and cotton borders. In 2010, the pure okra crop sprayed with cypermethrin was significantly less infested by TFW than the unsprayed pure okra crop and the unsprayed okra crop with SD PP borders. The unsprayed okra crop with ESD PP borders was intermediate between cypermethrin-sprayed and unsprayed pure okra crops. The slightly lower TFW infestation of the unsprayed okra crop with ESD PP borders was a result of increased top-down regulation by predator spiders, whose colonization was significantly higher on the unsprayed okra crop with ESD PP borders than on both (sprayed and unsprayed) pure okra crops. (Resume d'auteur)

O quiabeiro é suscetível a várias doenças que podem causar prejuízos ao agricultor, caso não sejam manejadas. Objetivaram-se avaliar o efeito da temperatura e a reação de genótipos de quiabeiro ao mofo branco. Plantas de 30 dias inoculadas na região do colo, com e sem ferimento, com dois isolados de Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, foram mantidas por duas semanas nas temperaturas de 15; 20; 25; 30 ou 35ºC. Quatorze genótipos de quiabeiro com um e dois meses de emergência, assim como frutos no ponto de colheita comercial tiveram seus comportamentos avaliados quanto à doença. Avaliaram-se a incidência de plantas com tombamento ou mortas e o comprimento da lesão nos frutos inoculados. A doença foi favorecida por temperaturas entre 15 e 20ºC e, de maneira geral, não foram observadas diferenças entre os isolados e influência do ferimento na ocorrência da doença. Não foram encontrados genótipos de quiabeiro resistentes ao mofo branco, pois todos apresentaram incidência superior a 30% de plantas mortas, sendo as plantas mais novas mais suscetíveis, e comprimento de lesão nos frutos >6,0 cm. Entretanto, diferenças de suscetibilidade entre os genótipos foram observadas em plantas de 30 e de 60 dias e podem ser informações úteis aos produtores para escolha de cultivares em clima ameno, assim como ser exploradas em programas de melhoramento.

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffaL.) is an economically important plant in Niger. Little is known about its genetic diversity and population structure. In this study, we performed the first diversity assessment of a collection of 124 roselle accessions and 16 accessions of its close relativesHibiscuscannabinusandAbelmoschusesculentus. Our study was based on ten agromorphological traits and 267 amplified fragment length polymorphism markers. We identified two major distinct groups inH. sabdariffausing a Bayesian method. These two genetic groups were associated with statistical differences for three phenological characteristics: number of days to flowering, 100-seed weight and calyx size. However, the calyx colour, i.e. a morphological characteristic often used to classify different local ecotypes, did not superimpose this separation. Our findings suggested that roselle diversity is genetically structured; the two different groups were clearly associated with morphological differences but were not commonly used by farmers for their classification. The impact of the perceived ecotype structure and its consequence on farmer management is discussed.

Germination and vigor tests are essential components of seed quality control programs adopted by seed industries. We studied different procedures to perform the controlled deterioration test to identify differences in vigor among okra seed lots. Four seed lots of Colhe Bem cultivar and five seed lots of Santa Cruz 47 cultivar were submitted to the following tests: germination, seedling emergence, controlled deterioration (seeds with moisture contents of 18, 21 and 24% at 45°C for 24 and 48 hours) and moisture content. The controlled deterioration test is efficient to evaluate the physiological potential of okra seeds, and the combination of 24% water, 45°C during 24 hours is recommended. Os testes de germinação e de vigor são componentes essenciais do processo de controle de qualidade das empresas produtoras de sementes. Objetivou-se com essa pesquisa estudar a metodologia do teste de deterioração controlada, visando a identificação de diferentes níveis de vigor de lotes de sementes de quiabo. Utilizaram-se as cultivares Colhe Bem e Santa Cruz 47, representadas por quatro e cinco lotes de sementes, respectivamente. As nove amostras de sementes foram submetidas às avaliações de germinação, emergência de plântulas, deterioração controlada (sementes com umidade de 18, 21 e 24%; a 45ºC durante 24 e 48 horas) e grau de umidade no início dos testes e durante o monitoramento para o teste de deterioração controlada. O teste de deterioração controlada conduzido a 45ºC, com grau de umidade das sementes de 24% e período de exposição de 24 horas é eficiente para a avaliação do potencial fisiológico de sementes de quiabo.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV) is one the most destructive okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) pathogens in Brazil. Fifty-four okra accessions were evaluated for resistance to FOV. Greenhouse screening was initially carried out with one FOV isolate ('Fus-194'). Inoculation (in all assays) was carried out with 21-day-old plantlets, using the root-dipping inoculation technique. Thirty-three accessions displaying differential responses in the first screening were re-evaluated in two additional assays, using two FOV isolates ('Fus-194' and 'Fus-201'). Twelve accessions were rated as highly to intermediately resistant to 'Fus-194' during the dry/moderate temperature season, whereas nine accessions were classified as highly to intermediately resistant to 'Fus-201'. In the assay carried out in the wet and warm season, 72% of the accessions were classified as having high and intermediate resistance to 'Fus-194', and 32% were resistant to 'Fus-201'. The accessions 'Santa Cruz-47', 'BR-2399' and 'BR-1449' were the most promising resistance sources. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV) é um dos patógenos mais destrutivos do quiabeiro (Abelmoschus esculentus) no Brasil. Cinquenta e quatro acessos de quiabeiro foram avaliados quanto à resistência a FOV em casa de vegetação. Inicialmente foi conduzida uma seleção com o isolado 'Fus-194'. Trinta e três acessos, que foram resistentes na seleção inicial, foram reavaliadas em dois ensaios adicionais (sob duas condições de ambiente), utilizando dois isolados de FOV. Destes, onze acessos foram classificadas como altamente ou medianamente resistentes ao isolado 'Fus-194' em agosto (estação seca e com temperatura moderada), enquanto que 28% dos acessos foram classificados como altamente ou medianamente resistentes ao isolado 'Fus-201'. No ensaio conduzido na estação úmida e quente, 72% dos acessos apresentaram reação de alta a média resistência a 'Fus-194', enquanto que 32% foram resistentes a 'Fus-201'. A cultivar 'Santa Cruz-47' e os acessos 'BR-2399' e 'BR-1449' foram as fontes de resistência mais promissoras.

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the relative effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The experiment consisted of four treatments. Cow dung and poultry droppings were applied at the rates of 2.5 kg per 10 kg of soil one week before sowing, while NPK fertilizer (15:15:15) was applied at the rate of 6 g per 10 kg of soil three weeks after sowing. The treatments were laid in a completely randomized design with three replications. Plant growth was assessed using plant height, fresh weight, leaf area and dry weight. The application of cow dung, poultry droppings and NPK fertilizer had significant effects on all the parameters assessed. The application of poultry droppings gave plants with the greatest plant height, leaf area and fresh weight, while cow dung application gave the greatest dry weight. The data obtained from these treatments were significantly higher than the data obtained from the control. It was, therefore, concluded that the use of organic manure in the production of vegetables like okra should be encouraged.

El estudio de heterosis podria ayudar en la seleccion de cruzas heteroticas para la explotacion comercial de hibridos F1 de gombo (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench). Cuarenta y cinco F1s fueron desarrolladas cruzando 10 lineas elite de gombo: P1(IC282248), P2(IC27826-A), P3(IC29119-B), P4(IC31398-A), P5(IC45732), P6(IC89819), P7(IC89976), P8(IC90107), P9(IC99716) y P10(IC111443), en forma de medio dialelo durante el verano 2009. Todas las 45 F1s junto con sus 10 padres y un control estandar (Hibrido de Mahyco N° 10) fueron evaluadas en un diseno de bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones durante kharif temprano (junio a septiembre) 2009 en la Estacion de Investigacion de Vegetales, Rajendranagar, Andhra Pradesh, India, para heterosis de la produccion de gombo y sus componentes. La significancia de cuadrados medios debida a genotipos revelo la presencia de variabilidad genetica considerable entre el material estudiado para casi toda la produccion y atributos de produccion excepto la altura de planta. La heterosis media total entre los padres y control estandar para la produccion total por planta fue 6,92 y -15,44%, respectivamente, mientras para la produccion comerciable por planta fue 6,64 y el -22,18%, respectivamente. Cruzas negativamente heteroticas como C19(P3XP5) para dias a 50% floracion (-4.35%) y C4(P1XP5) para primera floracion y nudos fructiferos (-15,22%), respectivamente, son importantes para explotar heterosis de precocidad en quingombo. Las cruzas con heterosis estandar no significativa en cualquier direccion dada para produccion total por planta C42, C31, C35, C25, y C36 (8,6; -0,08; -2,61; -3,26; y -4,57%, respectivamente) y produccion comerciable por planta C42, C31, y C36 (-5,87; -6,56, y -10,54%, respectivamente), fueron estadisticamente iguales con el control estandar para rendimiento medio y fueron tan prometedoras como aquellas del control estandar. El hibrido F1 C42(P7XP10) con alto potencial de rendimiento tiene potencial para cultivo comercial despues de evaluacion adicional para la temporada kharif temprana.

Summary: Okra is a commercial vegetable crop with considerable area under cultivation in Africa and Asia. Okra belongs to the family Malvaceae. It probably originated in Ethiopia and is widely spread all over tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions of the world. Okra plays an important role in the human diet by supplying fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Moreover, its mucilage is suitable for certain medical and industrial applications. Therefore, young fruits of okra have reawakened beneficial interest in bringing this crop into commercial production. The optimum yield of okra is approximately 6.6 t ha -1 . Okra requires warm temperatures. The optimum temperatures are in the range of 20-30°C, with minimum temperatures of 18°C and maximum of 35°C. Okra needs rather high quantity of water despite having considerable drought resistance. The plant forms a deeply penetrating tap root with dense shallow feeder roots reaching out in all directions in the upper 45 cm of soil. Soil clamminess is essential during the continuation of growing period.

Background: Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. fruit is a commonly consumed vegetable in many countries due to its rich medicinal value. However, till date, in vivo antioxidant property of A. esculentus has not been scientifically documented in animal models. Objective: The present investigation was aimed to evaluate the in vivo antioxidant property of A. esculentus (L.) Moench. peel and seed powder (AEPP and AESP) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In rats, acute toxicity assessment of AEPP and AESP at 2 g/kg did not show any toxicity. Diabetes was induced by STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) injection and diabetic rats received AEPP (100 and 200 mg/kg) as well as AESP (100 and 200 mg/ kg) orally up to 28 days. At the end of the 28 day, diabetic rats were killed and liver, kidney and pancreas were collected to determine superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation level. Results: In diabetic rats, significant (P < 0.001) reduction of liver, kidney and pancreas SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH levels and increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were observed as compared to normal control rats. Administration of both doses of AEPP and AESP significantly (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01) increased liver, kidney and pancreas SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH levels and decreased TBARS (P < 0.001) levels in diabetic rats compared to diabetic control rats. Conclusion: Our findings confirmed that A. esculentus peel and seed powder has significant in vivo antioxidant property in diabetic rats.

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is one of the most important pests of the tomato Lycopersicon esculentnm in the world; it affects plant vigour, transmits geminiviruses and reduces crop quality. This experiment was conducted to determine the response of Bemisia tabaci population when tomato (Solanum lycopersicum MT1) planted alone (non-choice), tomato planted with brinjal (Solanum malagna MTe1), tomato with chilli (Capsicum annuum MC11), tomato with okra (Abelmoschus esculentus MKBE1), and all together (choice experiment) under glasshouse conditions (30-36°C, 80% RH). The results have shown that, there were significantly higher (P< 0.05) numbers of adults, eggs and nymphs on tomato alone or planted with chilli, whereas significantly lower numbers of adults, eggs and nymphs were seen when tomato was planted with okra and brinjal. Generally, the number of adults and eggs was observed to be more on the upper stratum compared to the lower plant stratum. Interestingly, the number of nymphs was found to be higher on the middle stratum than on the other strata in all treatments.

Fruit and vegetable growers in the tropics are faced with crop protection issues resulting in food insecurity and low-income in low-input traditional agro-systems. In intensive systems, pesticide-induced adverse impacts on human health and the environment may occur. Setting up an "ecologically intensive" horticulture by modifying agro-systems to mobilize natural regulation mechanisms taking ecological processes as a source of inspiration, has become a major challenge. This implies a shift from a "tactical" approach based on preventive and curative chemical treatments (agro-chemistry) to a "strategic" approach based on preventive and natural methods (agro-ecology) for the regulation of pests/pathogens infestations/infections. Horticultural cropping systems provide ideal frameworks for studying the effects of the planned introduction and management of plant species diversity (PSD), on pest and disease impact. The Cirad Omega3 Project builds on case studies representing a broad range of PSD levels, scales and deployment modalities, according to an a priori typology of pests and diseases based on their life-history traits. Obtained and anticipated outcomes of these studies concern both i) knowledge on ecological pest and disease regulation processes that can be mobilized in horticultural systems, ii) tools and methods for incepting and evaluating innovating pest and disease-resilient cropping systems. We present here the global approach and first results obtained within this framework regarding i) introduction of service plants with sanitizing/ allelopathic effect managed as green manure for reducing tomato bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, ii) potential of trap crops/barriers for reducing infestation and damage of tomato fruit worms Helicoverpa armigera on okra in Niger and Helicoverpa zea on tomato in Martinique. Results of these case studies on non-specific disease and pests with respectively low and high dispersal ability, provide decision rules which help set up models to predict the impact of PSD deployment modes on the studied bio-aggressors or other pathogens/pests with similar life-history traits. (Resume d'auteur)